S.345 - Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act; SHUSH Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act" (SHUSH Act) aims to remove silencers from the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA) and treat them as regular firearm accessories. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code and Title 18 of the United States Code to eliminate federal regulation, registration, and taxation of silencers. It also preempts state laws that impose taxes, marking, recordkeeping, or registration requirements on silencers.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the SHUSH Act would significantly ease the process of acquiring and possessing firearm silencers. This would reduce costs and administrative burdens for individuals and businesses. State laws imposing additional regulations on silencers would be invalidated.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced costs for firearm owners due to the elimination of taxes and registration fees.
- Increased accessibility of silencers, potentially encouraging their use for hearing protection.
- Simplification of interstate commerce related to silencers by preempting state laws.
- Potential growth in the firearms accessory market.
- Reduced administrative burden on federal agencies related to silencer regulation.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased availability of silencers could potentially lead to increased crime rates involving firearms.
- Reduced ability of law enforcement to track and regulate silencers, hindering investigations.
- Potential negative impact on public safety due to the reduced regulation of these devices.
- Concerns about noise pollution in communities if silencers become more prevalent.
- Erosion of state authority to regulate firearms accessories within their borders.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Second Amendment is a central consideration. Proponents argue it reinforces the right to bear arms by reducing restrictions on silencers. Opponents may argue that it undermines public safety regulations, which are a legitimate exercise of governmental power. The preemption of state laws raises questions about federalism and the balance of power between the federal government and the states, potentially implicating the Tenth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).